As hitchhikers go, Shane Williams isn't exactly the first face you'd expect to see thumbing a lift.

But that's exactly what happened ahead of Wales' opening autumn international against Scotland.

The former Wales winger needed to be in Cardiff just after midday for some corporate work with the Welsh Rugby Union - only for his train from west Wales to be delayed.

However, Wales' all-time record try-scorer had his blushes spared after blagging a lift to the capital on Kenfig Hill RFC's minibus.

The 41-year-old former Lions star took to social media to thank his unexpected saviours - posting a picture of himself aboard the Cardiff-bound bus.

"I don't usually take the train but since I'm not doing television work, I thought I would enjoy that experience and travel with the fans," explained Williams.

"I probably haven't taken a train on matchdays since the Rugby World Cup in 1999!

"So I got the train and it was a little busy - but it was good speaking to fans. However, when we got Pyle, we were held up for half-an-hour and I needed to be in Cardiff by 12.30pm.

"I couldn't really afford to wait so I hopped off the train. Fortunately, there was a minibus there from the rugby club so I jumped on board with them.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

"I think it was just meant to happen! I'll be eternally grateful to them for helping me out."

With some work ahead of him and "the need to string a sentence together", Williams couldn't exactly indulge in a beer on the bus - but he certainly didn't begrudge his saviours from enjoying themselves.

"The boys are having a few beers and it got a bit livelier as we got closer to Cardiff - but the boys deserve that for saving my bacon!"